Accident!

[melders]

Ok guys, I havent been around in awhile...but i need help if my car is totaled. Do i go for a new 09, or should i stick with the older model, I do like both, but im not sure which one...What does everyone think?Here are pics, I am fine!http://www.new.facebook.com/al...13272EDIT: I JUST fixed the link, it was for an individual image...oops.

[VforVIBE]

a) What the crap happened?b) That's totaled?c) Once you go 2009, you never go back, just drive it, I think you'll like it.

[melders]

I think (and hope) that it is totaled, i cannot open either of the passenger doors, and there are buckle dents above the doors on the passenger side. It doesnt look to bad, i think it may be...I guess i should test drive a new one and see what happens.I got sandwiched between 2 cars, the one in front was turning left, then some idiot behind me decided to hit me at about 45-50 (posted was 35), it was in a construction zone so there was only one lane both ways.

[03vibedriver]

I just traded my 03 for an 09 2.4L 5 speed auto in June. This 09 is a very nice automobile but you give up 3 or 4 MPG vs the 03 base Vibes mileage.The 09 drives better on the Interstate no downshifts on the hills like the 03.

[808 Vibes]

I'm glad you are OK.

[coldmm803]

Quote, originally posted by melders »I think (and hope) that it is totaled, i cannot open either of the passenger doors, and there are buckle dents above the doors on the passenger side. It doesnt look to bad, i think it may be...I guess i should test drive a new one and see what happens.I got sandwiched between 2 cars, the one in front was turning left, then some idiot behind me decided to hit me at about 45-50 (posted was 35), it was in a construction zone so there was only one lane both ways.that sucks, sorry to hear about the accident. hope everything gets worked out quickly.

[zionzr2]

I'm Glad you are well!The damage doesnt look that bad for 40-50MPH!

[melders]

The pictures just do not do the justice...i did not get pictures of the inside in the back, all the plastic is mangled, cracked, or broken. my guess is that the frame is bent as there are the bow marks above the passenger doors, and that i cannot open either one of those doors...the amazing thing is that there is not a single piece of broken glass. i loved this car, either way i will probably go new, as this one will never be the same.

[Nelson]

Thank the gods you are all right. My vibe was totalled without any broken glass either. Sorry to hear about your accident. We were pretty much forced into an 09, and I like it more everyday (except the stock 4 speakers, definitely go for the 7 speakers). 09's have more safety features for less money. I still miss my 06. I saw a twin of "Frost" around the corner from my house, yesterday. My wife and I both noticed it and spoke about our 'old' car.

[Kamikaze]

Sorry to here about the crash... glad you are ok. Hopefully you get a new one, or you get your's fixed quickly!

[bull77]

sorry to hear about yet another downed vibe --- i swear we all have targets on the back nice rolling shots of the vibe going on the flatbed --- suspenseful

[nygiantzz1]

Ouch! If the interior is busted up too, it will probably be totalled. At least you walked away from it unhurt. I would take an 09 for a test drive, I think you will be impressed. I loved my 06, but once I drove an 09 with a 2.4, I had to make the switch. You know it's time for a new car when something like this happens and you hope it is totalled.

[melders]

The body shop just called, and he said it wasn't looking to good...I love this car, and definitely want another one, i found a 05 black with leather moons/and tunes looked very nice, nice price, i think i am going to go for that, i need one that has a rack on top since i have a Thule bike rack.

[nygiantzz1]

Does the Thule rack mount to the side rails or the cross bars? If it mounts to the side rails, you will have to stick with an 08 or earlier. The 09 has cross bars only and they are not adjustable. The 05 w/ leather sounds like a nice option. Good Luck with it!

[joatmon]

If you go for the 05, you should get the center console lid and the center console power outlet off the old one before it disappears.glad you are ok

[pick41]

glad you're alright, looks like it held up alright. I'd say try the 09 and see what you think.

[Kari]

When they totalled my dad's Trailblazer, they wouldn't allow him to remove anything from the car. He had a full vinyl see through decal on the rear window to advertise his business and he wanted to remove the back glass so he could put it on the new one and just take the new one's original glass out, but they said no. I wanted the horn so I was disappointed too.

[abbotlex]

Wow. With that much damage to the rear, it's amazing none of the glass broke out or even cracked!I wonder if the newer Vibes are that tough.

[lovemyraffe]

Glad you are ok.

[keithvibe]

glad your alright.... Grab your center arm rest.. your gona hate the shorter arm rest

[melders]

its unofficial, but the body shop said the claims guy stopped by, and it sounded like it was totaled...im going to be able to get into it on Monday, but probably will not be able to grab the center arm rest...how much shorter is it? what else is different with the 05 that i need to know about? i am going to try to test drive a 09...i hope this 05 is as nice as it looks in the pictures, it seems like its the right car for me.

[Kari]

Yeah, I'd be surprised if they let you take anything other than your personal possessions out of the car. Good luck -- hope you can get your hands on an 09.

[Katscan]

From my understanding when I got into a fender bender, if the frame was bent or damaged in an accident nine times out of ten, they will consider the car totaled as the structural integrity of the car's frame has been compromised. Or if the cost of repair > the appraised value of said car.

[melders]

It is official now...the vibe is totalled sad to see it go, i will definetly be getting another one. It looks like its gonna be a used one (cheaper)...ill keep everyone updated.

[ehoff121]

Make sure you ask for more money, no matter what they offer you for the car.I totaled a car back in '97 and the insurance co's first offer was several hundred bucks below the final settlement.Make sure they know all of the options that came on the car, e.g., moon & tunes, spoiler, etc. It helps if you can say you recently put new tires on or bought a battery, too.It doesn't hurt to ask...they're counting on you not to EDIT: When you're looking for that new preowned Vibe, use the VIN card to check the safety features of the potential winner (shown as the restraint code; I'd recommend code '7' ). You're probably thinking safety right now and that's a good thing. Here's a link: http://prod.goodwrench.gmgssm....d.pdfYou can get the card for different model years by changing the year in the URL, e.g., 2006 to 2005.Good luck!

[melders]

Well, i decided on a 2009 gt blackhere is a linkhttp://images.cobaltgroup.com/8/5/3/2023967358.jpgI will be getting it monday, i will take some better pics as this one sucks! i cannot wait, it has leather with the sun and sound package (not sure if that is standard or not) I really like this car!

[808 Vibes]

It's sad that your Vibe had to be totalled, but you are OK, and getting another Vibe. Looking forward to pics of your new baby!

[ramenboy...]

Quote, originally posted by HawaiiPontiacLover »It's sad that your Vibe had to be totalled, but you are OK, and getting another Vibe. Looking forward to pics of your new baby! +1post up pics, melds. glad you're ok